[CARI Info Kioks]ETCM Launches EV Charging Station at BSC

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ETCM Launches EV Charging Station at BSC

A New Experience for LEAF Owners

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) and First Energy Networks Sdn Bhd (FEN) have teamed up with Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC) to build an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station with equipment supplied by General Electric (GE).

This follows the establishment of FEN’s first two EV Charging Stations in Bukit Bintang last year in KLCC and Lot 10 Shopping Centre, as well as the third charging station at Petronas Solaris, Serdang. BSC is part of the company’s network expansion efforts as FEN targets more shopping malls and public places to install these chargers. The charging station at BSC will be located at Carpark Level LG and owners of EVs will be able to get their vehicles recharged using GE’s DuraStation while they are at the shopping centre. The DuraStation, a level 2 charger, offers vehicles faster charging compared to standard (level 1) plug-in charging. It is the ideal solution for charging away from the home as the DuraStation is capable of reducing charge time from 12-18 hours to 4-8 hours, assuming a 24kWh battery and a full-cycle charge.

The installation of EV Charging Stations in Kuala Lumpur (and other cities in the future) complements the upcoming introduction of the all-electric Nissan LEAF by ETCM in Q3 2013. Future Nissan LEAF owners living in and around the Bangsar area will be able to recharge their EVs for free during the first phase at BSC while shopping, dining or enjoying other activities that the shopping centre offers.

“Zero-emission is our commitment and therefore we are looking to gradually expand our EV Charging infrastructure to more strategic and relevant places to make it a reality, initially focusing on the Klang Valley area. We are happy to team up with BSC for a green initiative like this and hope to see more people embracing the all-electric Nissan LEAF as part of their lifestyle in the near future. We are also proud to have GE as part of this initiative, said Dato’ David Chen, the Executive Director of ETCM.

“We are proud to have teamed up with ETCM and FEN, and also to be selected as a venue to build the EV charging station. Over the years, BSC has evolved into a premier lifestyle centre, and a nexus of the local community, thus environmental conservation is something close to our hearts. Looking at the profile of our clientele, I’m sure many would benefit from the charging station located at LG and we will continue to increase our green efforts within the mall for a healthier community.” said Vincent Tan, Assistant General Manager, Asset & Property Management, Bandar Raya Developments Berhad (BRDB).

Azli Mohamed, Director of Growth Initiatives and Key Account, GE ASEAN said “We are pleased to be a part of FEN’s efforts to raise awareness and accelerate the adoption of EVs in Malaysia. Our participation forms part of our overall strategy and commitment to help bring Malaysia closer to developing a blueprint for an EV Infrastructure Framework.”

Over the past year, ETCM has run the Nissan LEAF Ambassador Pilot Program to create awareness of the benefits and drivability of EVs. Three different groups of Malaysians were invited to drive the LEAF over a period of six weeks and share their experiences on social media and with their friends.

The Ambassador program has now officially ended and with the success of the program as well as roadshows around the country, ETCM is set to launch the Nissan LEAF by the third quarter of 2013. The EV has won awards such as ‘Car of the Year’ in both Europe and Japan, as well as the ‘Green Award of the Year’ and ‘Eco Innovation Award of the Year’ in Malaysia. With its zero-emission, it heralds a new dimension in motoring for Malaysians.

More information for the public can also be found at www.nissan.com.my.